The relationship between Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jennifer Love Hewitt has been the subject of speculation for decades, primarily stemming from their time together on the set of the horror classic *I Know What You Did Last Summer*. Since the film’s release in 1997, rumors of a feud have circulated, fueled by various incidents and comments made over the years. As fans eagerly follow their careers, the question remains: is there truly a rift between these two beloved actresses?
The controversy first ignited with claims that Hewitt had influenced producers to kill off Gellar’s character, Helen Shivers, to ensure she wouldn’t return for the sequel, *I Still Know What You Did Last Summer*. Hewitt has consistently denied these allegations, stating that at the time, she was just an 18-year-old actress without any real power in the production process. “I was 18. They were not taking script notes from me, guys,” she clarified during a podcast interview in December 2024, asserting that she and Gellar were friends during their early careers.
Fast forward to 2025, and the topic of their alleged feud resurfaced with the release of the legacy sequel *I Know What You Did Last Summer*. In this new installment, Hewitt reprised her role as Julie James, while Gellar opted not to return, citing her character’s demise in the original film. Gellar’s husband, Freddie Prinze Jr., also appeared in the sequel, further intertwining their careers. The absence of a public reunion at the film’s premiere disappointed fans, despite both actresses being in attendance. Gellar quickly dismissed any notions of a feud, while Hewitt maintained she was on good terms with her former co-star.
The whispers of discord can be traced back to their time filming the original *I Know What You Did Last Summer*. Some fans speculated that the two did not get along, which supposedly led Hewitt to push for Gellar’s character’s death. However, Hewitt’s insistence on their friendship casts doubt on these rumors. “I root for her and Freddie and think it’s the cutest thing in the world that they’ve been married for 100 years and have kids. It’s adorable,” she said, reflecting on their past.
In October 2024, Gellar announced she would not be involved in the sequel, humorously stating, “I am dead.” Despite her absence, she expressed excitement about the film, noting her close friendship with the director, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. Gellar even joked about her unofficial role as a continuity advisor. However, her response to a question about the sequel during a red carpet event led to renewed speculation about a feud. When asked for an update, Gellar replied, “I have nothing to do with that,” before walking away.
Adding fuel to the fire, Hewitt’s return as Julie was announced shortly after Gellar’s awkward interview moment, prompting fans to wonder if there was tension between the two. In an attempt to clarify the situation, Gellar shared a behind-the-scenes photo from the *I Know What You Did Last Summer* set, explaining her initial hesitance to discuss the film due to non-disclosure agreements.
In July 2025, Hewitt sought to dispel the narrative of a feud during an interview, stating, “I honestly don’t even know what that was or how that all came to be.” She expressed confusion over why people feel the need to pit actresses against one another, emphasizing that she hadn’t been in contact with Gellar since their teenage years. “On my side, we’re good. I have no idea where this is coming from,” she clarified.
The premiere of the new *I Know What You Did Last Summer* further fueled speculation when fans noticed Gellar and Hewitt did not pose together on the red carpet. Gellar took to Instagram to explain that she had been inside with her children during the event and missed the opportunity to see Hewitt. “If you have ever been to one of these, it’s crazy. I sadly didn’t get pics with most of the cast,” she wrote, emphasizing that their absence from the red carpet was not indicative of any animosity.
As two of the most iconic actresses of the 1990s, Gellar and Hewitt continue to capture the hearts of fans across the globe. While rumors of a feud have persisted, both actresses have made efforts to dispel the notion that there is any lingering tension between them. Their careers have taken different paths, but their shared history and mutual respect seem to suggest that any feud is more fiction than reality.
In the end, the narrative surrounding Gellar and Hewitt serves as a reminder of how easily misunderstandings can arise in the world of celebrity. As both actresses continue to thrive in their respective careers, fans can only hope for a future collaboration that might finally put these rumors to rest.